Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 28

Eddard Stark. The Kingsroad.

It has been two days since I left Winterfell. It was early morning as the soldiers built fires to warm themselves and prepare food for themselves and the higher ranks. I, on the other hand, was in my tent with my daughters and thinking about the journey.

So far, everything was going quite smoothly. There was no bandit or wildling who dared to attack the royal procession, which made it rather... boring.

My usual routine of waking up and occupying my office, sorting through papers, was broken. No reports from spies, orders for castle servants, sorting out problems or prioritizing cases. And because of this, I just didn't know what to do to keep myself busy.

Thoughts of Robb and the piling on of my responsibilities sometimes came to mind, but they were quickly dispelled as he is being helped by Kat and Lady Kinvara.

Next, I thought of Jon traveling to the North. Even though no letter had come from him, something told me he was well. His path lies beyond the Wall, which will cause him to have to go through the Night's Watch. I warned him about the current state of the once honorable Order of Protectors, and I don't know how it will go. After all, either the Watch Rangers or those they want to get rid of are allowed beyond the Wall.

He'll probably stay there for a while. The Night's Watch will send a raven to Winterfell to make sure his passage is coordinated with me. Even if he's a bastard in their eyes, but he's "my" bastard. They will want to validate the point that I won't come over their heads for his passage into the wildling lands.

That leaves Solomon, who I have not heard from yet. Last time I contacted Halon of their Pentos, he was on his way to Braavos to get to know the Faceless Ones better. I'm guessing something about magic or something similar.

He also mentioned Solomon's actions regarding the surviving Targaryen princess. According to Halon, she was able to impress him, which is rather... unexpected. I doubt her training was any different from the other training meant for noble ladies. The same Kat's, to be more specific. So it is indeed unexpected.

Solomon gave her two men he brought her out of nowhere to do her training. What kind of training I don't know, but I don't think it's anything trivial. He doesn't want to bring her to Westeros, does he? Aside from that, she had a brother. Really, where he is now, no one knows.

I shifted my gaze to Arya and Sansa, who were doing something together, and walked over to them. They were rummaging through one of the bags, laughing quietly and sticking their hands in it. Lady and Nymeria, their she-wolves, were lying quietly beside them and still sniffling.

- What are you doing? - I asked, getting behind their backs.

- Nothing! - Jumping up on the spot, they said quickly and in unison, quickly taking their hand out of the bag and closing it. Of course, I didn't believe it.

- And what are you hiding, young ladies? - I decided to ask, smiling slightly - It seems to be something fun?

- Well... - Arya hesitated, glancing cautiously in Sansa's direction.

- It's... - the latter did the same.

Seeing this sight, I couldn't help but smile. It's great to see the manifestation of their childhood when you know they've grown up. Sansa, who is starting to comprehend the Game, in particular. She has, to some extent, begun to parody Cat and Lady Kinvara, hiding her real intentions and wearing a perpetual fake smile. Somehow Sansa realizes what awaits her at Red Castle.

And Arya...still Arya. She hasn't really changed much in the same direction as Sansa, quite the opposite. Solomon's stories allowed her to open up, completely abandoning her "lady" demeanor and becoming herself.